§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the large number of thefts of poultry and the view of the National Poultry Council that the sentences able to be imposed by the courts in such cases are ineffective as a deterrent to further thefts; and if he will consider introducing legislation to increase the punishment meted out in all such cases.
§ Mr. WestwoodThe Scottish National Poultry Council has represented that the penalties imposed by magistrates for thefts of poultry are ineffective as a deterrent, but I am not satisfied that the penalties which may be imposed under the existing law are inadequate. The penalty imposed in any particular case is a matter for the court to determine, after considering all the circumstances,400W including the prevalence of the offence in any area, and I have no authority to interfere with the court's discretion.